Polish gamers get virtual chance to plot against Communists

To give it that authentic touch Lech Walesa, who led the Solidarity trade union during its historic conflict with Poland’s one-party state, makes appearances along with other well-known dissidentsPhoto: GETTY IMAGES

Polish computer gamers will soon have the chance to dive into the dictatorial world of 1980s Poland and struggle to set up a clandestine union under the noses of the authorities.

A social networking game, “Solidarity — Online Conspiracy” divides a fictional Polish town into sectors in which players have to set up underground union cells, organise meetings and demonstrations and try to win over management opposition.

To give it that authentic touch Lech Walesa, who led the Solidarity trade union during its historic conflict with Poland’s one-party state, makes appearances along with other well-known dissidents and activists.

Gamers also have to keep a sharp eye out for agents trying to infiltrate their group.

To help recreate the atmosphere of the time the designers have included cult television shows from communist Poland, dreary newspapers and grey loo paper: one the great banes of the era.

“The game is like a doorway to history,” said Jerzy Gudejko, one of the game’s designers. “It will pass on to a generation of 14-15 year-olds the memory, knowledge and emotions involved in the fight against the communist regime.” But there are no bloodthirsty shoot-outs with the secret police or violent riots.

The designers stress the game, while educating the young about the struggle for freedom, is also aimed at highlighting and promoting the spirit of co-operation that was key to the success of Mr Walesa’s Solidarity in the 1980s.

“Solidarity is a social game; one person alone cannot win,” explained Mr Gudejko. “Success can only be achieved by working as a group so players need to organise.”

The appearance of the game reflects a desire in Poland to teach the growing generations of young Poles born after the return of democracy about the struggles and deprivations people had to endure under communist rule.